Indiana hails Sikhs’ contribution to US

Washington, April 23

The US state of Indiana has passed a resolution recognising Sikhs’ “significant contributions” to America.

“The Indiana Senate recognises and acknowledges the significant contributions that American Sikhs have made across the US and to the State of Indiana on the great occasion of Vaisakhi as ‘National Sikh Day’,” said the resolution.

Passed unanimously by the Indiana Senate on Friday, the resolution was introduced by Indiana Lieutenant Governor Suzanne Crouch.

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Eminent community leader and chairman of Sikhs political affairs committee Gurinder Singh Khalsa started the senate session with a Sikh prayer. US Vice-President Mike Pence sent his support for the resolution, a media release said today.

Also for the first time, National Sikhs and Vaisakhi Day will be celebrated on May 15 in the Indiana State House with Governor Eric Holcomb.

Passage of the resolution is an important milestone in the history of Sikhs in the US, said Khalsa who was instrumental for the move. This is the “start of something special and significant for Sikhs” all across America, he said. Khalsa hoped his efforts would expand Sikh culture of selfless service to community and be a beacon of hope in spreading Sikh values of humanity, diversity, interfaith dialogue and economic empowerment. — PTI